Thursday 2 February 2012

STONEHENGE UK - A Mystery , A World Heritage Site


      Would you like to travel beyond time? Do you have interest in history? Are you really keen on finding the root of our past and ancestors? Then you must Visit the world heritage site Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is one of the most famous spots of UK.

Stonehenge at Sunset - Great Attractions (United... by GeoBeats

Location It is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks. It is at the centre of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Age monuments in England.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/stonehenge/




What is it - Archaeologists believe the iconic stone monument was constructed anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC, as described in the chronology below. Radiocarbon dating in 2008 suggested that the first stones were erected in 2400–2200 BC, whilst another theory suggests that bluestones may have been erected at the site as early as 3000 BC.



The surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury Henge monument. It is a national legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. Stonehenge is owned by Crown and managed by English Heritage, while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.
Archaeological evidence found by the Stonehenge Riverside Project in 2008 indicates that Stonehenge could possibly have served as a burial ground from its earliest beginnings.The dating of cremated remains found on the site indicate that deposits contain human bone material from as early as 3000 BC, when the initial ditch and bank were first dug. Such deposits continued at Stonehenge for at least another 500 years

A short Video on Stonehenge


A mystery - Some archaeologists believe the Amesbury Archer, whose tomb was discovered three miles from Stonehenge, is the key to understanding why Stonehenge was built. Archer’s corpse was examined and documentation reveals he was a wealthy and powerful man with a skill of metal working. With examination of Archer’s corpse revealing he had some serious health issues, some believe he came to Stonehenge to be healed. Archer’s remains dated back to the same time the first circle of the Stonehenge was built. Whether Archer came to Stonehenge to be healed or just to work is still unknown.
People have been trying to figure out the origin of Stonehenge for hundreds of years. Just like there are also hundreds of speculations as to why Stonehenge was built. With so many theories, although some stand to reason, we will probably never know the true meaning or origin of Stonehenge. Whether it was built for healing, dying, astronomy, rituals, paganism and the list goes on and on, scientist and archaeologists continue to explore and study Stonehenge in hopes of finding the true origin of its existence.
With expanded technology in today’s world the answer could appear. Many hours and many teams of workers continue to explore Stonehenge to give the world the answer that hundreds of thousands of people have always wanted to know :-

Who came up with the idea for Stonehenge?
What purpose at that time did Stonehenge have for it’s people?
How did the massive stones get transported to this area?




Hundreds of questions with possible answers. Until the mystery of Stonehenge is solved it will always stand as a mystery for everyone.
Mystery or not, the origin or Stonehenge is uncertain, however the splendor of it’s makers and the countless hours invested in Stonehenge is still reason enough to draw visitors from all over the world. Until the answer is found as to the origin of Stonehenge everyone who visits will make their own conclusion as to why such a massive remarkable wonder exists. The mystery itself is enough reason to visit Stonehenge and who knows, maybe no speculation is far from wrong when you think about it.

How to reach the Stonehenge

Distance for London – 80 miles
Takes around 2 hours by car from London
Nearest station to Stonehenge - Salisbury
By Train – Waterloo (London) to Salisbury every Half hour 
Bus – From Salisbury its 10 miles .You can catch bus or Cab
Bus from London – Heathrow Airport and Victoria Coach station

Road Map - 




View Larger Map


Best Time to Visit – It’s really beautiful at Sunrise and Sunset. One can find heavy rush during peak summer or on June summer solstice.

Some Tips –

- Carry an Umbrella if it shows rainy weather
- Stones are fenced to protect it. You will not be able to touch the stones
- Not Much eating options close by (only some small stalls)
- Good place for Photography and walk 


Nearest Attractions – Woodhenge , Silbury Hill and Avebury Stone Circle


Stonehenge – A figure of Astronomical importance  -

(Another View about the Stonehenge)



These sites have good PDF downloads if you want to know the Astronomical view on the Stonehenge


http://www.tivas.org.uk/stonehenge/stone_ast.html


Useful Sites Links for Visiters :
-
http://www.stonehenge.org.uk/

Hope this information will be helpful to you during your visit to the Stonehenge.

A Detail Video Documentry  Stonehenge 
all you want to Know 

Part 1

Part 2 

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6




2 comments:

  1. beautiful blog ! loved the information about Stongehenge

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love to thanks everyone who are liking this article

    ReplyDelete